Appendix 1.1
Press Release Appendix 1.1 Press Release
NLIS 10 July 21, 2006 (Executive Council)
Terms of Reference for MHA compensation package released
The Terms of Reference for Chief Justice Derek Green will enable him to do a thorough and comprehensive review of the compensation package for Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs), said Premier Danny Williams upon release of the Terms of Reference.
“As I said at the time of the Chief Justice’s appointment, it is very important that compensation packages for MHAs are reviewed periodically and also to ensure that the rules governing constituency allowances are transparent and held to the highest standards,” said Premier Williams. “These Terms of Reference will allow Chief Justice Green to complete a thorough analysis, including a review of best practices in other jurisdictions. I look forward to seeing this review completed as expeditiously as possible.”
The Chief Justice is also authorized to undertake an independent review and evaluation of the policies and procedures for control of the types of expenditures and payments made by the House of Assembly to suppliers.
Premier Williams appointed Chief Justice Green of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador on June 26, 2006, to evaluate compensation received by MHAs including things such as constituency allowances, salary levels and pension benefits.
“Our government remains steadfast in maintaining our commitment to be open and accountable, and the work of the Chief Justice will build upon the initiatives we have taken to date,” added the Premier.
Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 351-1227, [email protected]
BACKGROUNDER
Terms of Reference of a review to be undertaken by the Honourable J. Derek Green, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Trial Division:
1. Chief Justice Green is authorized to undertake an independent review and evaluation of the policies and procedures regarding compensation and constituency allowances for
Appendix 1.1 Members of the House of Assembly that includes:
i.An assessment of Members of the House of Assembly (MHA) Constituency Allowances to determine if they are the most effective and efficient vehicle to reimburse MHAs for expenses incurred during the normal execution of their duties;
ii.A comparison of all components of compensation of members of the legislature in Newfoundland and Labrador, including but not limited to indemnities, allowances and pensions, with that in other provincial and territorial legislatures in Canada;
iii.An evaluation of best practices for compensation of members of legislatures in other provinces and territories; and
iv.A determination of whether proper safeguards are in place to ensure accountability and compliance with all rules and guidelines governing payments of all aspects of MHA compensation and Constituency Allowances;
2. The Chief Justice is authorized to undertake an independent review and evaluation of the policies and procedures for control of the types of expenditures reviewed by the Auditor General in his report, “Payments Made by the House of Assembly to Certain Suppliers;”
3. A matter that is necessarily incidental to a matter specified above may be included in the review and evaluation by the Chief Justice;
4. The Chief Justice is authorized to develop recommendations on policies and practices resulting from the review and evaluation as outlined above. Additionally, the Chief Justice is authorized to bring forward recommendations that would ensure the accountability and compliance practices employed in the House of Assembly meet or exceed the best in the country. Such recommendations must take into account opportunities to enhance the accountability and transparency of MHA expenditures without undermining the autonomy of the legislature and its elected members;
5. All Ministers and Officials of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and its agencies, are to provide the Chief Justice with their complete and unreserved cooperation in all aspects of this review;
6. Recommendations should be brought forward for the consideration of Cabinet as soon as reasonably possible, to enable the House to address any potential legislative and administrative changes in its Fall 2006 session; and
7. The Department of Justice and the Public Service Secretariat, in collaboration with Executive Council and the Department of Finance, are directed to take the necessary actions to provide Chief Justice Green with the necessary resources to undertake this review expeditiously with such resources to include a part-time legal counsel, a part-time accountant, a part-time advisor from Memorial University, an individual to provide administrative and research support, a policy advisor and an actuary.
8. The ability to summon a witness or witnesses if necessary in the conduct of his review.
Appendix 1.1 2006 07 21 5:05 p.m.
All material copyright of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement
Appendix 1.1
Appendix 1.2
Terms of Reference and Subsequent Amendments Appendix 1.2 Terms of Reference
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.2
Appendix 1.3
List of Interviews - Consultations Appendix 1.3 List of Interviews - Consultations
Name Position Lloyd Andrews Partner at Deloitte & Touche
Sandra Barnes Executive Council
Percy Barrett MHA
Doug Brake Mercer Human Resource Consulting (Government Pension Group)
Donna Brewer Assistant Deputy Minister Finance, Treasury Board
Peter Brown Partner at Deloitte & Touche
Minister Joan Burke Minister of Education
Minister Jack Byrne Minister of Municipal Affairs
John Cummings Former Cabinet Secretary (2000); Former Deputy Minister Justice (until 2005)
Florence Delaney Former Secretary Treasury Board
Luc Desroches Federal House of Commons
Brian Dowden Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
Virginia English Budget Analyst, Treasury Board
Barry Fleming Citizens’ Representative
Jennifer Follett Junior accountant, assigned to House of Assembly audit for Deloitte & Touche
Dorothy French Executive Council
Chuck Furey Chief Electoral Officer
Libby Furlong Administrative Assistant, Chief Electoral Office
Appendix 1.3 Name Position Mary Galway Mercer Human Resource Consulting (Government Pension Group)
Allan Glenns Federal House of Commons
Kathy Goudie MHA
Wayne Green Former Chief Electoral Officer
Jack Harris Former Leader of NDP
Minister John Hickey Minister of Transportation and Works; Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Dianne Hill Oracle System
Honourable Harvey Hodder Speaker of House of Assembly
Steve Kelloway Mercer Human Resource Consulting (Government Pension Group)
Peter Kennedy Former Secretary Treasury Board
Honourable P. Myron Kowalsky Speaker of Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly
Calvin Lake Legislative Counsel
Marlene Lambe Chief Financial Officer, House of Assembly Liberal Caucus Please see Appendix 1.7
Bill MacKenzie Clerk of House of Assembly
Elizabeth Marshall Former Auditor General; MHA
Minister Tom Marshall Former Minister of Justice; Minister of Finance
Maureen McCarthy Director of Pensions, Department of Finance
Appendix 1.3 Name Position Dr. Terrance McKague Research Assistant to the McDowell (1995) and Wakabayashi (2006) Saskatchewan Review Committees into Saskatchewan MLA Compensation and Allowances
Lorraine Michael Leader of NDP
Anne Marie Miller Oracle System
Bill Murray Former Director of Finance, House of Assembly
John Noel Clerk of House of Assembly
John Noseworthy Auditor General
Mark Noseworthy Deputy Director of Finance, House of Assembly
PC Caucus Please see Appendix 1.7
Terry Padden Deputy Minister Finance
Kelvin Parsons MHA; Opposition House Leader; IEC Member & MHA
Kevin Power Budget Analyst, Treasury Board
Lorna Proudfoot Legislative Counsel
Gerry Reid Leader of Opposition
Minister Tom Rideout Deputy Premier; Minister of Fisheries & Aquaculture, Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Attorney General
Minister Paul Shelley Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment Lloyd Snow Former Speaker of House of Assembly
Minister Loyola Sullivan Minister of Finance
Appendix 1.3 Name Position Robert Thompson Clerk of Executive Council
Beaton Tulk Former Liberal MHA; Former IEC Member; Former Premier
Phil Wall Former Deputy Minister Finance; Privacy Commissioner John Wiersema Federal Deputy Auditor General
Albert Williams Budget Analyst, Treasury Board
Premier Danny Williams Premier of Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Ron Williams Comptroller General
Appendix 1.3
Appendix 1.4 (A)
Written Submissions from Members of the House of Assembly Appendix 1.4 (A) Written Submissions from Members of the House of Assembly
MEMBER DISTRICT Wally Anderson Torngat Mountains Felix Collins Placentia and St. Mary’s Dave Devine Mount Pearl Kathy Goudie Humber Valley Harry Harding Bonavista North Jack Harris Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi John Hickey Lake Melville Yvonne Jones Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair Eddie Joyce Bay of Islands Oliver Langdon Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune District Elizabeth Marshall Topsail Thomas Marshall Humber East Kelvin Parsons Burgeo & LaPoile Tom Rideout Lewisporte Dianne Whalen Conception Bay East and Bell Island Wallace Young St. Barbe
Appendix 1.4 (A)
Appendix 1.4 (B)
Written Submissions from the Public Appendix 1.4 (B) Written Submissions from the Public
Name Description Anonymous X Avalon Region Anonymous Y Avalon Region Leonard Clarke Avalon Region Boyd Legge Avalon Region Hon. James McGrath Retired Member of Parliament Donald Norman Avalon Region Gerald F. O’Brien, Q.C. Avalon Region Liam O’Brien Avalon Region Frederick R. Stagg, Q.C. Former MHA
Appendix 1.4 (B)
Appendix 1.5
MHA Survey 1
Appendix 1.5 MHA Survey
CONFIDENTIAL
REVIEW COMMISSION ON CONSTITUENCY ALLOWANCES AND RELATED MATTERS
QUESTIONNAIRE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROVINCE OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Circle the appropriate answer:
I am a(n) urban member (living in, or rural member (all other) within 40 km. of St. John’s)
I am a Government Member Opposition Member
I am a Cabinet Minister Backbencher
I am a Woman Man
Instructions and comments: 1. Members may add comments on the attached paper elaborating on the reasoning behind their answers. Specify the multiple choice, or longer questions situated at the end, to which you are making reference. (Some questions particularly invite comment.) 2. Members may add comments that do not precisely relate to matters dealt with in the questionnaire, keeping in mind that there will also be an opportunity for them to present a formal brief to the Review Commission. 3. For questions regarding the administration or contents of the questionnaire, respondents may contact the Executive Secretary of the Review Commission, Beth M. Whalen at email: [email protected] Telephone: (709) 722-7584; Facsimile: (709) 722-9210. 4. The questionnaire may be scanned and sent as an email attachment to Beth Whalen, or be sent by regular mail. If by mail, it can be sent to this address: Review Commission on Constituency Allowances and Related Matters, P.O. Box 5190, Stn “C”, St. John’s NL, A1C 5V5.
Appendix 1.5 2
OUTLINE
GENERAL ISSUES CONDUCT OF REVIEWS PRINCIPLES GOVERNING MHA COMPENSATION STRUCTURE OF COMPENSATION COMPENSATION REGIME FINANCE AND AUDITS RANKING AND EVALUATION EXERCISES
Appendix 1.5 3
GENERAL ISSUES
1. Are you familiar with the terms of reference of the Review Commission on Constituency Allowances and Related Matters?
a. completely b. almost completely c. only in general d. a little e. not at all
2. Are you familiar with the Morgan Commission Report of 1989 (Report of the Commission on Remuneration to the Members of the House of Assembly)?
a. completely b. almost completely c. only in general d. a little e. not at all
3. Are you in support of the recommendations of the Morgan Commission Report, to the extent that you are familiar with them?
a. completely opposed to them b. somewhat opposed to them c. neither strongly opposed nor strongly supportive d. somewhat supportive e. completely supportive
Elaborate on sheet if desired.
4. Are you familiar with the decisions taken by the Internal Economy Commission in the course of any given year?
a. completely b. almost completely c. only in general d. a little e. not at all
Appendix 1.5 4
5. It is my experience that the decisions of the IEC have been communicated to Members in a timely and clear fashion.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
6. I feel it is time to re-evaluate the role, functions and practices of the Internal Economy Commission.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
7. There should be some mechanism found to lessen the numerical predominance of Government Members on the Internal Economy Commission.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
8. In the past, the principle of the independence of the House has been given more weight than the principles of financial management in the administration of the House.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 5
9. Other jurisdictions (federal and provincial) appear to have a better regime (management structure) for deciding Members’ compensation than Newfoundland and Labrador.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral (I don’t know) d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
You can write in which one(s) you have in mind either here or on the sheet.
10. Other jurisdictions (federal and provincial) appear to have a better system (principles and structure) for Members’ compensation than Newfoundland and Labrador.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral (I don’t know) d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
You can write in which one(s) you have in mind either here or on the sheet.
11. Financial management practices of the House of Assembly are generally similar to those of the Executive Government.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 6
CONDUCT OF REVIEWS
12. It is my view that the studies of MHA compensation should be conducted by
a. a commission appointed by the Speaker b. an arm’s-length, independent commissioner appointed by statute c. the Internal Economy Commission as presently constituted d. a legislative committee composed of backbenchers e. another alternative (elaborate on attached sheet).
13. Such reviews should be conducted
a. at some regular period, say every ten years b. at some regular period, say every five years c. after every general election d. when the IEC determines e. by some economic, or societal, index that has an automatic trigger.
14. The findings of such reviews should be binding.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
15. The findings of reviews of Members’ compensation should be subject to review by the whole House of Assembly and voted on as a free vote.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 7
16. The compensation system for Members should take into consideration others affected by MHA allowances: families, charities, community groups and so forth.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
17. The compensation system review for Members should also regularly take into consideration compensation for officials of the House (such as the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and others) and officers of the House (such as the Child and Youth Advocate, Privacy Commissioner, and others forth).
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
PRINCIPLES GOVERNING MHA COMPENSATION
18. I recommend a level of remuneration that
a. is relatively low, to encourage candidates who emphasize public service above all b. is moderately low, to discourage financing of those who would not earn this in the market place c. has a neutral level, neither really high nor low d. is moderately high, to recognize the status of the political profession e. is relatively high, to allow full-time service and the avoidance of financial sacrifice to Members or Members’ families
Appendix 1.5 8
19. I believe that a statement of appropriate compensation for MHAs should be included within the context of a broad “Code of Conduct” formulated with the involvement of Members.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
20. I believe that the matter of MHA compensation should be considered within the context of a wider set of reforms of the structure and operations of the House of Assembly.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
21. I believe that there should be reduction in the differences between Cabinet Ministers on the one hand, and Members of the House of Assembly on the other, with regard to the various perquisites and categories and levels of reimbursement available.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
22. I believe that there should be more of a “level playing field” as far as Ministers and Members of the House of Assembly are concerned, with regard to issues involving office space.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Elaborate which matters need reform, if desired. Appendix 1.5 9
23. Salaries of those who hold such offices as that of the Speaker, House Leaders and Whips, Committee Chairs, and so forth, should be increased each year in line with the increases for Cabinet Ministers.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
24. There is a need for a more “level playing field” between male and female members.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
25. There should be gender-specific considerations applying to compensation and House administration.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
26. I believe that there should be special leave and compensation arrangements made for Members who are new mothers.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 10
STRUCTURE OF COMPENSATION
27. The structure of MHA compensation should include tax-free allowances.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
28. All candidates should run for election on the expectation that they become full-time Members.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
29. The structure of compensation should reflect the expectation that those elected serve as full-time Members.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
30. The criteria for establishing what constitutes a full-time Member and a part-time Member have been made clear to me.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 11
31. A Member should not be able to receive a major proportion of his/her indemnity/allowances for a short period of service in a calendar year brought on by the event of an election or sudden resignation.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
32. I find the overall level of compensation to MHAs to be reasonable.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
33. I find the overall level of compensation provided for rural MHAs is reasonable, in general.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
34. I find the overall level of compensation provided for Labrador MHAs is reasonable, in general.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 12
Elaborate if desired.
35. I find the level of compensation provided for constituency office support to me as an MHA to be adequate.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
36. The cost of constituency office support should be funded out of a constituency allowance and be decided upon by the Member.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
37. Members of the House of Assembly should have publicly provided space in a government building to provide for service to their constituents.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
38. If publicly provided space in a government building is not available to provide service to an MHA’s constituents, because of the size or location or circumstances of the community, then there should be reasonable alternatives explored and offered.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 13
39. A Member of the House of Assembly who does not want to have a constituency allowance and wants to spend an equivalent amount on other heads of expenditure should be enabled to do so.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
40. Members who serve on legislative committees (PAC, standing committees, and so forth) should all be paid the same rate for annual allowances, no matter what committee.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
41. Members who serve on legislative committees (PAC, standing committees, and so forth) should be paid the same rate per sitting day, no matter what committee.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
42. Members who serve on the Public Accounts Committee should be paid proportionately more than members of other committees.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 14
43. The Morgan Commission outlined a structure of salaries for statutory office holders, and the principles that underlay this structure are listed below. These are fair and appropriate in today’s context.
Leader of the Opposition - same as Cabinet Minister Opposition House Leader - half of the salary of Leader of Opposition Leader of a Recognized Third Party - half of the salary of Leader of Opposition Speaker - same salary as Cabinet Minister Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of Committees - half salary of Speaker Deputy Chairperson of Committees - half salary of Chairperson Party Whips - $6000 - to be adjusted by IEC
These salaries, except for those of Party Whips, are to be increased each year in line with the increases for Cabinet Ministers.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Elaborate if desired, or make reference to the longer question at end.
44. The block funding arrangement for Travel and Constituency Allowances should be continued.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 15
45. There should be a reasonable portion of MHA compensation designated for discretionary expenses.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
COMPENSATION REGIME
46. The most appropriate person/body to apply the rules with regard to Members’ compensation is
a. the Speaker b. the IEC as presently constituted c. a reformed IEC d. an independent officer of the legislature like an Integrity Commissioner e. other
47. There should be receipts for all expenditures by Members where they are to be compensated.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
48. Members’ compensation should be set in a relatively unchanging way, that is, one is realistic enough in its philosophy and amounts to stand unchanged for the short to medium term.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 16
49. Members’ compensation should be indexed to reflect changing economic conditions.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
50. I have enough information about indexation to be able to make informed decisions on the matter of Members’ compensation.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
51. The Clerk should have the responsibility to challenge the propriety and wisdom of discussions and decisions undertaken in IEC meetings.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
52. Compensation to MHAs should depend on attendance in the House.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 17
53. There should be a “whistle-blower” process: an independent body to receive complaints about MHA compensation and expenditures, fraudulent activities by MHAs, or other inappropriate behaviour by MHAs, in confidence, and with immunity from retaliation against the whistle- blower.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
FINANCE AND AUDITS
54. There is merit to the argument that “the Auditor General shouldn’t audit his/her own boss (the House of Assembly).”
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
55. The Auditor General should be the auditor of all aspects of the House of Assembly’s accounts.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 18
56. The level of scrutiny given to the Members should be the same as that given to officials of the House (Clerk, Deputy Clerk, etc) and officers of the House (Auditor General, Privacy Commissioner, etc).
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
57. The financial management practices of the House of Assembly should be brought into line with those of the Executive Government, if there can be assurance that independence of the House can be assured.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
58. The financial management practices of the House of Assembly should be brought into line with those of the Executive Government, even if there is some interference with the independence of the House.
a. Strongly agree b. Moderately agree c. Neutral d. Moderately disagree e. Strongly disagree
Appendix 1.5 19
RANKING AND EVALUATION EXERCISES
59. If indexing should be deemed necessary, my preference would be that the greatest emphasis would be placed on: (indicate your preferred option by “1”, your least preferred option by “10" and the other options in ascending order, from “2” to “9”).
Members’ compensation should be tied to a/the
__ CPI (Consumer Price Index) __ COLA (Cost of Living Allowance)
__ traditional levels relative to certain occupational groups in the workplace __ traditional levels relative to other legislatures __ current levels of Members’ salaries in other jurisdictions __ “ability to pay” measure of the provincial government, or a surrogate measure __ provincial fiscal capacity or financial situation __ levels of compensation of certain bargaining units in private sector __ public service salaries __ other measures.
You can elaborate on any or all of these items.
60. Which aspects of Members’ compensation deserve to be given the most attention and corrective action? (Indicate the most attention by “1”, the least attention option by “8”, and the other options in ascending order, from 2-7.)
__ Indemnity __ Non-taxable allowance __ Travel reimbursement element (in session, not in session) __ Per diems __ Committee duty __ Separation allowances __ Constituency allowances element __ Others
61. Reviews of MHA compensation in the future should have as their general mandate (circle any that are appropriate):
a. Incremental change to the rates of compensation b. Focussing on a few specific sections of the compensation regime Appendix 1.5 20 c. Reviews of the role of the legislature as well as compensation d. Questioning only the amounts of the compensation e. Questioning both the principles and the amounts of the compensation
Appendix 1.5 21
CHOICE OF PRINCIPLES PROFILE
Circle for each pair, the preferred principle for designing Members’ compensation: that is, which is relatively more important?
Assure independence of the legislature Financial management and accountability for public funds
Provide indemnity as major part of Indemnity as minor part of compensation compensation regime regime.
Tax-free allowances Or higher indemnities
Consideration of others affected by MHA No consideration of others affected by MHA allowances: families, charities, community allowances: families, charities, community groups groups
Promote service of full-time Members by the Accommodate full-time as well as part-time structure of the compensation regime Members by the structure of the compensation regime
Financial rewards of being an MHA should Financial rewards of being an MHA should not be substantial be substantial
The province should situate itself in a rank or The province should not situate itself in a place relative to other jurisdictions regarding rank or place relative to other jurisdictions richness of MHA compensation regarding richness of MHA compensation
There should be a multiplicity of categories in There should be relatively few all-inclusive Members’ compensation plan structures, in categories in Members’ compensation plan order to accommodate the complexities that structures, in order to facilitate flexible arise out of the role of being a Member decision-making by Members
MHA compensation structures should be MHA compensation structures should not be subject to continual adjustment subject to continual adjustment
Compensation review structures should have Compensation review structures should not representatives of society on them have representatives of society on them
Appendix 1.5 22
APPROPRIATE AND INAPPROPRIATE USES OF MHA COMPENSATION (CHECK ONE OF THE BOXES)
APPROPRIATENESS DEPENDS ON CIRCUMSTANCES (ELABORATE IF TYPE OF EXPENSE APPROPRIATE DESIRED) INAPPROPRIATE
Most charitable donations
Donations where political party has already announced that a donation will be given
Charitable tickets bought where a prize could result
Tickets to dinners where a speaker or most of the audience belongs to the political party of the Member
Grants to local sports teams
Grants for team uniforms
School scholarships
School fundraisers
Money to subsidize trips to provincial, national or international capitals for youth representing the district, the province or country
Financial aid for medical- related transportation of constituents
Appendix 1.5 23
APPROPRIATENESS DEPENDS ON CIRCUMSTANCES (ELABORATE IF TYPE OF EXPENSE APPROPRIATE DESIRED) INAPPROPRIATE
Financial aid for brochures for local or provincial associations
Advertisements in a program for cultural, sports or other groups
Gifts to commemorate a 100th birthday or a 50th wedding anniversary of constituents
Emergency financial aid or provisions of the necessities of life to welfare recipients in need (i.e. pay power bill, purchase home appliances)
Provincial flags
Provincial lapel pins
Trips to Ottawa on constituency business
Members’ rings
In-home meals where restaurant meals not convenient (i.e. grocery bill)
Numerous meals at high- end restaurants
Christmas turkeys
Appendix 1.5 24
APPROPRIATENESS DEPENDS ON CIRCUMSTANCES (ELABORATE IF TYPE OF EXPENSE APPROPRIATE DESIRED) INAPPROPRIATE Representing constituents on appeal matters (i.e. Workers’ Compensation, CPP Appeals, Social Services, etc.)
Personal clothing
Dry cleaning
Personal cell calls
Leased vehicles
Travel luggage
Promotional greeting cards
Promotional calendars
Promotional flowers
Hotel accommodations above a certain dollar figure ($300)
Entertainment while travelling on MHA business
Spousal travel
Vehicle mileage reimbursement
Airline tickets/other modes of travel
Office rent
Office space in building/company you own
Appendix 1.5 25
APPROPRIATENESS DEPENDS ON CIRCUMSTANCES (ELABORATE IF TYPE OF EXPENSE APPROPRIATE DESIRED) INAPPROPRIATE Office phone and phone line
Office computer/laptop
Office faxes and fax line
Office furniture
Office utilities
Office paintings/decorative wall coverings
Office space in MHA’s personal residence
Office phone and phone line if Member’s office is in personal residence
Office faxes and fax line if Member’s office is in personal residence
Office furniture if Member’s office is in personal residence
Office utilities if Member’s office is in personal residence
Office paintings/decorative wall coverings if Member’s office is in personal residence
Appendix 1.5 26
APPROPRIATENESS DEPENDS ON CIRCUMSTANCES (ELABORATE IF TYPE OF EXPENSE APPROPRIATE DESIRED) INAPPROPRIATE
Office grounds maintenance if Member’s office is in personal residence
Maintain second residence in St. John’s
Appendix 1.5 27
APPROPRIATENESS OF THE MORGAN COMMISSION PROVISION FOR OFFICE HOLDERS
YOUR SUGGESTED OFFICE MORGAN PROVISION PROVISION
Leader of the Opposition same as Cabinet Minister
Opposition House Leader half of the salary of Leader of Opposition
Leader of a Recognized half of the salary of Leader of Third Party Opposition
Speaker same salary as Cabinet Minister
Deputy Speaker and half salary of Speaker Chairperson of Committees
Deputy Chairperson of half salary of Chairperson Committees
Party Whips $6000 (1989 dollars) - to be adjusted by IEC (and for inflation)
Appendix 1.5
Appendix 1.6
Survey Results Appendix 1.6 Survey Results
Survey Tabulation Characteristics:
Party Surveys Tabulated Total Opposition 8 13 Government Cabinet Ministers 12 15 Gov’t Backbenchers 14 19 Premier 0 1 Incomplete 2 0 Total Members 36 48
Gender Survey Tabulated Total Woman 8 10 Male 26 38 Incomplete 2 0 Total Members 36 48
District Survey Tabulated Total Urban 8 14 Rural 24 34 Incomplete 4 0 Total Members 36 48
Combinations Survey Tabulated Total R M Cabinet 7 9 R M Gov’t 9 10 R M Opposition 2 9 R W Cabinet 1 1 R W Gov’t 2 2 R W Opposition 3 3 U M Cabinet 1 3 U M Gov’t 3 6 U M Opposition 0 1 U W Cabinet 2 2 U W Gov’t 1 2 U W Opposition 0 0 Incomplete 5 0 Total Members 36 48 Rural – R Urban – U Woman – W Male - M
Appendix 1.6 GENERAL ISSUES 1. Are you familiar with the terms of reference of the Review Commission on Constituency Allowances and Related Matters? Almost completely 8 Completely 17 Not at all 1 Only in general 10
2. Are you familiar with the Morgan Commission Report of 1989 (Report of the Commission on Remuneration to the Members of the House of Assembly)? A little 1 Almost completely 9 Completely 5 Not at all 3 Only in general 18
3. Are you in support of the recommendations of the Morgan Commission Report, to the extent that you are familiar with them?
Did not answer 4 Completely supportive 7 Neither strongly opposed nor strongly supportive 12 Somewhat supportive 13
4. Are you familiar with the decisions taken by the Internal Economy Commission in the course of any given year? A little 5 Almost completely 10 Completely 7 Only in general 14
5. It is my experience that the decisions of the IEC have been communicated to Members in a timely and clear fashion. Moderately agree 15 Moderately disagree 6 Neutral 3 Strongly agree 6 Strongly disagree 6
Appendix 1.6 6. I feel it is time to re-evaluate the role, functions and practices of the Internal Economy Commission. Moderately agree 14 Moderately disagree 6 Neutral 4 Strongly agree 12
7. There should be some mechanism found to lessen the numerical predominance of Government Members on the Internal Economy Commission. Moderately agree 4 Moderately disagree 8 Neutral 8 Strongly agree 7 Strongly disagree 9
8. In the past, the principle of the independence of the House has been given more weight than the principles of financial management in the administration of the House. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 15 Moderately disagree 4 Neutral 6 Strongly agree 8 Strongly disagree 2
9. Other jurisdictions (federal and provincial) appear to have a better regime (management structure) for deciding Members’ compensation than Newfoundland and Labrador. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 4 Moderately disagree 5 Neutral 22 Strongly agree 1 Strongly disagree 3
Appendix 1.6 10. Other jurisdictions (federal and provincial) appear to have a better system (principles and structure) for Members’ compensation than Newfoundland and Labrador. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 3 Moderately disagree 4 Neutral 24 Strongly agree 1 Strongly disagree 3
11. Financial management practices of the House of Assembly are generally similar to those of the Executive Government. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 3 Neutral 17 Strongly agree 3 Strongly disagree 4
CONDUCT OF REVIEWS
12. It is my view that the studies of MHA compensation should be conducted by: a commission appointed by the Speaker 8 an arm’s-length, independent commissioner appointed by statute 20 another alternative (elaborate on attached sheet) 1 the Internal Economy Commission as presently constituted 7
13. Such reviews should be conducted: Did not answer 1 after every general election 5 at some regular period, say every five years 16 at some regular period, say every ten years 8 by some economic, or societal, index that has an automatic trigger 4 when the IEC determines 2
Appendix 1.6 14. The findings of such reviews should be binding. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 16 Neutral 3 Strongly agree 14 Strongly disagree 2
15. The findings of reviews of Members’ compensation should be subject to review by the whole House of Assembly and voted on as a free vote. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 7 Moderately disagree 5 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 12 Strongly disagree 6
16 The compensation system for Members should take into consideration others affected by MHA allowances: families, charities, community groups and so forth. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 1 Strongly agree 21 Strongly disagree 3
17. The compensation system review for Members should also regularly take into consideration compensation for officials of the House (such as the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and others) and officers of the House (such as the Child and Youth Advocate, Privacy Commissioner, and others).
Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 4 Neutral 6 Strongly agree 9 Strongly disagree 7
Appendix 1.6 PRINCIPLES GOVERNING MHA COMPENSATION
18. I recommend a level of remuneration that: has a neutral level, neither really high nor low 3 is moderately high, to recognize the status of the 1 political profession is moderately low, to discourage financing of those 1 who would not earn this in the market place is relatively high, to allow full-time service and the 31 avoidance of financial sacrifice to Members or Members’ families.
19. I believe that a statement of appropriate compensation for MHAs should be included within the context of a broad “Code of Conduct” formulated with the involvement of Members. Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 15 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 3 Strongly agree 14 Strongly disagree 1
20. I believe that the matter of MHA compensation should be considered within the context of a wider set of reforms of the structure and operations of the House of Assembly. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 9 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 9 Strongly disagree 3
Appendix 1.6 21. I believe that there should be reduction in the differences between Cabinet Ministers on the one hand, and Members of the House of Assembly on the other, with regard to the various perquisites and categories and levels of reimbursement available. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 10 Neutral 7 Strongly agree 4 Strongly disagree 6
22. I believe that there should be more of a “level playing field” as far as Ministers and Members of the House of Assembly are concerned, with regard to issues involving office space. Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 6 Moderately disagree 3 Neutral 6 Strongly agree 13 Strongly disagree 6
23. Salaries of those who hold such offices as that of the Speaker, House Leaders and Whips, Committee Chairs, and so forth, should be increased each year in line with the increases for Cabinet Ministers. Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 13 Moderately disagree 3 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 12 Strongly disagree 1
Appendix 1.6 24. There is a need for a more “level playing field” between male and female members. Did not answer 3 Moderately agree 6 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 10 Strongly agree 6 Strongly disagree 9
25. There should be gender-specific considerations applying to compensation and House administration. Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 2 Moderately disagree 5 Neutral 9 Strongly agree 4 Strongly disagree 14
26. I believe that there should be special leave and compensation arrangements made for Members who are new mothers. Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 7 Moderately disagree 3 Neutral 7 Strongly agree 15 Strongly disagree 2
STRUCTURE OF COMPENSATION
27. The structure of MHA compensation should include tax-free allowances. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 7 Strongly agree 19
Appendix 1.6 28 All candidates should run for election on the expectation that they become full- time Members. Moderately agree 6 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 3 Strongly agree 25
29. The structure of compensation should reflect the expectation that those elected serve as full-time Members. Moderately agree 6 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 2 Strongly agree 27
30. The criteria for establishing what constitutes a full-time Member and a part- time Member have been made clear to me. Moderately agree 7 Moderately disagree 13 Neutral 3 Strongly agree 9 Strongly disagree 4
31. A Member should not be able to receive a major proportion of his/her indemnity/allowances for a short period of service in a calendar year brought on by the event of an election or sudden resignation. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 8 Strongly agree 17 Strongly disagree 1
Appendix 1.6 32. I find the overall level of compensation to MHAs to be reasonable. Moderately agree 21 Moderately disagree 4 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 4 Strongly disagree 2
33. I find the overall level of compensation provided for rural MHAs is reasonable, in general. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 14 Moderately disagree 8 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 3 Strongly disagree 5
34. I find the overall level of compensation provided for Labrador MHAs is reasonable, in general. Did not answer 3 Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 13 Strongly agree 5 Strongly disagree 4
35. I find the level of compensation provided for constituency office support to me as an MHA to be adequate. Moderately agree 7 Moderately disagree 11 Neutral 4 Strongly agree 4 Strongly disagree 10
Appendix 1.6 36. The cost of constituency office support should be funded out of a constituency allowance and be decided upon by the Member. Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 8 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 8 Strongly disagree 6
37. Members of the House of Assembly should have publicly provided space in a government building to provide service to their constituents. Moderately agree 10 Moderately disagree 5 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 14 Strongly disagree 2
38. If publicly provided space in a government building is not available to provide service to an MHA’s constituents, because of the size or location or circumstances of the community, then there should be reasonable alternatives explored and offered. Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 4 Strongly agree 18 Strongly disagree 3
39. A Member of the House of Assembly who does not want to have a constituency allowance and wants to spend an equivalent amount on other heads of expenditure should be enabled to do so. Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 7 Neutral 6 Strongly agree 2 Strongly disagree 10
Appendix 1.6 40. Members who serve on legislative committees (PAC, standing committees, and so forth) should all be paid the same rate for annual allowances, no matter what committee. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 4 Moderately disagree 6 Neutral 8 Strongly agree 15 Strongly disagree 2
41. Members who serve on legislative committees (PAC, standing committees, and so forth) should be paid the same rate per sitting day, no matter what committee. Did not answer 2 Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 4 Neutral 5 Strongly agree 15 Strongly disagree 1
42. Members who serve on the Public Accounts Committee should be paid proportionately more than members of other committees. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 6 Moderately disagree 6 Neutral 13 Strongly agree 3 Strongly disagree 7
43. The Morgan Commission outlined a structure of salaries for statutory office holders, and the principles that underlay this structure are listed below. These are fair and appropriate in today’s context.
Leader of the Opposition - same as Cabinet Minister Opposition House Leader - half of the salary of Leader of Opposition Leader of a Recognized Third Party - half of the salary of Leader of Opposition Speaker - same salary as Cabinet Minister Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of Committees - half salary of Speaker Deputy Chairperson of Committees - half salary of Chairperson Party Whips - $6000 - to be adjusted by IEC
Appendix 1.6 These salaries, except for those of Party Whips, are to be increased each year in line with the increases for Cabinet Ministers. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 12 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 7 Strongly agree 13 Strongly disagree 1
44. The block funding arrangement for Travel and Constituency Allowances should be continued. Moderately agree 8 Neutral 2 Strongly agree 26
45. There should be a reasonable portion of MHA compensation designated for discretionary expenses. Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 1 Strongly agree 25 Strongly disagree 1
COMPENSATION REGIME
46. The most appropriate person/body to apply the rules with regard to Members’ compensation is a reformed IEC 12 an independent officer of the legislature 10 other 1 the IEC as presently constituted 11 the Speaker 2
Appendix 1.6 47. There should be receipts for all expenditures by Members where they are to be compensated. Moderately agree 5 Moderately disagree 6 Neutral 2 Strongly agree 21 Strongly disagree 2
48. Members’ compensation should be set in a relatively unchanging way, that is, one realistic enough in its philosophy and amounts to stand unchanged for the short to medium term. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 12 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 4 Strongly agree 15 Strongly disagree 2
49. Members’ compensation should be indexed to reflect changing economic conditions. Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 2 Strongly agree 23
50. I have enough information about indexation to be able to make informed decisions on the matter of Members’ compensation. Moderately agree 18 Moderately disagree 2 Neutral 7 Strongly agree 9
Appendix 1.6 51. The Clerk should have the responsibility to challenge the propriety and wisdom of discussions and decisions undertaken in IEC meetings. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 10 Moderately disagree 6 Neutral 8 Strongly agree 9 Strongly disagree 2
52. Compensation to MHAs should depend on attendance in the House. Moderately agree 6 Moderately disagree 9 Neutral 9 Strongly agree 6 Strongly disagree 6
53. There should be a “whistle-blower” process: an independent body to receive complaints about MHA compensation and expenditures, fraudulent activities by MHAs, or other inappropriate behaviour by MHAs, in confidence, and with immunity from retaliation against the whistle-blower. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 6 Moderately disagree 6 Neutral 7 Strongly agree 4 Strongly disagree 12
Appendix 1.6 FINANCE AND AUDITS
54. There is merit to the argument that “the Auditor General shouldn’t audit his/her own boss (the House of Assembly).” Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 7 Moderately disagree 12 Neutral 2 Strongly agree 2 Strongly disagree 12
55. The Auditor General should be the auditor of all aspects of the House of Assembly’s accounts.
Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 15 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 3 Strongly agree 14 Strongly disagree 2
56. The level of scrutiny given to the Members should be the same as that given to officials of the House (Clerk, Deputy Clerk, et al.) and officers of the House (Auditor General, Privacy Commissioner, et al.). Moderately agree 11 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 2 Strongly agree 22
57. The financial management practices of the House of Assembly should be brought into line with those of the Executive Government, if there can be assurance that independence of the House can be assured. Moderately agree 8 Moderately disagree 1 Neutral 6 Strongly agree 21
Appendix 1.6 58. The financial management practices of the House of Assembly should be brought into line with those of the Executive Government, even if there is some interference with the independence of the House. Did not answer 1 Moderately agree 9 Moderately disagree 7 Neutral 10 Strongly agree 2 Strongly disagree 7
RANKING AND EVALUATION EXERCISES
59. If indexing should be deemed necessary, my preference would be that the greatest emphasis would be placed on: (indicate your preferred option by “1”, your least preferred option by “10" and the other options in ascending order, from “2” to “9”).
Members compensation should be tied to a/the
CPI (Consumer Price Index)
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 16 1 3 2 9 3 2 4 5 5 1
COLA (a Cost of Living Allowance)
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 16 1 5 2 4 3 6 4 1 5 2 6 2
Appendix 1.6 traditional levels relative to certain occupational groups in the workplace
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 15 1 2 2 1 3 3 4 4 5 4 6 3 7 1 9 2 10 1
traditional levels relative to other legislatures Rank Occurrences Did not answer 14 2 1 3 5 4 3 5 2 6 2 7 4 8 2 9 3
current levels of Members’ salaries in other jurisdictions
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 13 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 3 5 5 6 2 7 3 8 4
Appendix 1.6 “ability to pay” measure of the provincial government, or a surrogate measure
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 15 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 3 7 6 8 6 9 2 10 1
provincial fiscal capacity or financial situation Rank Occurrences Did not answer 14 2 3 3 1 5 1 6 4 7 4 8 5 9 3 10 1
levels of compensation of certain bargaining units in private sector
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 15 1 2 2 2 3 1 4 1 5 3 6 3 7 1 8 2 9 6
Appendix 1.6 public service salaries Rank Occurrences Did not answer 13 1 9 2 2 3 3 4 1 5 1 8 1 9 4 10 2
other measures
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 17 1 2 5 1 6 1 7 1 10 14
60. Which aspects of Members’ compensation deserve to be given the most attention and corrective action? (Indicate the most attention by “1”, the least attention option by “8”, and the other options in ascending order, from 2-7.)
Indemnity
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 16 1 5 2 2 3 3 4 1 5 3 6 2 7 4
Appendix 1.6 Non-taxable allowance
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 17 1 2 2 4 3 2 4 5 5 3 6 2 7 1 travel reimbursement element (in session, not in session) Rank Occurrences Did not answer 16 1 4 2 6 3 7 4 1 5 2
Per diems Rank Occurrences Did not answer 16 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 3 6 3 7 1
Appendix 1.6 Committee duty
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 13 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 3 5 5 6 2 7 3 8 4
Separation allowances Rank Occurrences Did not answer 16 1 1 2 1 5 3 6 8 7 6 8 1
Constituency allowances element
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 13 1 11 2 5 3 1 4 3 5 2 6 1
Appendix 1.6 Others
Rank Occurrences Did not answer 17 1 1 7 1 8 17
61. Reviews of MHA compensation in the future should have as their general mandate (circle any that are appropriate):
1. Incremental change to the rates of compensation Did not answer 5 No 27 Yes 4
2. Focussing on a few specific sections of the compensation regime Did not answer 5 No 27 Yes 4
3. Reviews of the role of the legislature as well as compensation Did not answer 5 No 24 Yes 7
4. Questioning only the amounts of the compensation Did not answer 5 No 10 Yes 21 5. Questioning both the principles and the amounts of the compensation
Did not answer 5 No 15 Yes 16
Appendix 1.6 CHOICE OF PRINCIPLES PROFILE
Principle 1 Did not answer 5 Assure independence of the legislature 8 Financial management and accountability for public funds 23
Principle 2 Did not answer 7 Provide indemnity as major part of compensation regime 21 Indemnity as minor part of compensation regime 8
Principle 3 Did not answer 7 Tax-free allowances 18 Higher indemnities 11
Principle 4 Did not answer 5 Consideration of others affected by MHA allowances: 27 families, charities, community groups No consideration of others affected by MHA allowances: 4 families, charities, community groups
Principle 5 Did not answer 3 Promote service by full-time Members by the structure of 28 the compensation regime Accommodate full-time as well as part-time members by 5 the structure of the compensation regime
Principle 6 Did not answer 5 Financial rewards of being an MHA should not be 2 substantial Financial rewards of being an MHA should be substantial 29
Appendix 1.6 Principle 7 Did not answer 5 The province should situate itself in a rank or place 18 relative to other jurisdictions regarding richness of MHA compensation The province should not situate itself in a rank or place 13 relative to other jurisdictions regarding richness of MHA compensation
Principle 8 Did not answer 6 There should be a multiplicity of categories in Members’ 14 compensation plan structures, in order to accommodate the complexities that arise out of the role of being a Member There should be relatively few all-inclusive categories in 16 Members’ compensation plan structures, in order to facilitate flexible decision-making by Members
Principle 9 Did not answer 4 MHA compensation structures should be subject to 27 continual adjustment MHA compensation structures should not be subject to 5 continual adjustment
Principle 10 Did not answer 4 Compensation review structures should have 18 representatives of society on them Compensation review structures should not have 14 representatives of society on them
Appendix 1.6 APPROPRIATE AND INAPPROPRIATE USES OF MHA COMPENSATION
1. Most charitable donations
Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 27 DEPENDS 6 INAPPROPRIATE 2
2. Donations where political party has already announced that a donation will be given Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 3 DEPENDS 14 INAPPROPRIATE 18
3. Charitable tickets bought where a prize could result APPROPRIATE 9 DEPENDS 14 INAPPROPRIATE 13
4. Tickets to dinners where a speaker or most of the audience belongs to the political party of the Member APPROPRIATE 5 DEPENDS 10 INAPPROPRIATE 21
5. Grants to local sports teams APPROPRIATE 26 DEPENDS 6 INAPPROPRIATE 4
Appendix 1.6 6. Grants for team uniforms APPROPRIATE 24 DEPENDS 6 INAPPROPRIATE 6
7. School scholarships APPROPRIATE 30 DEPENDS 3 INAPPROPRIATE 3
8. School fundraisers Did not answer 4 APPROPRIATE 28 DEPENDS 3 INAPPROPRIATE 1
9. Money to subsidize trips to provincial, national or international capitals for youth representing the district, province or country APPROPRIATE 29 DEPENDS 5 INAPPROPRIATE 2
10. Financial aid for medical-related transportation of constituents APPROPRIATE 22 DEPENDS 9 INAPPROPRIATE 5
11. Financial aid for brochures for local or provincial associations Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 18 DEPENDS 12 INAPPROPRIATE 5
Appendix 1.6 12. Advertisements in a program for cultural, sports or other groups APPROPRIATE 26 DEPENDS 9 INAPPROPRIATE 1
13. Gifts to commemorate a 100th birthday or a 50th wedding anniversary of constituents APPROPRIATE 27 DEPENDS 5 INAPPROPRIATE 4
14. Emergency financial aid or provisions of the necessities of life to welfare recipients in need (i.e. pay power bill, purchase home appliances) APPROPRIATE 19 DEPENDS 7 INAPPROPRIATE 10
15. Provincial flags Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 30 DEPENDS 3 inappropriate 2
16. Provincial lapel pins APPROPRIATE 30 DEPENDS 6
17. Trips to Ottawa on Constituency Business APPROPRIATE 23 DEPENDS 10 INAPPROPRIATE 3
18. Members’ rings DEPENDS 6 INAPPROPRIATE 30
Appendix 1.6 19. In-home meals where restaurant meals not convenient (i.e. grocery bill) Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 4 DEPENDS 10 INAPPROPRIATE 21
20. Numerous meals at high-end restaurants Did not answer 1 DEPENDS 9 INAPPROPRIATE 26
21. Christmas turkeys APPROPRIATE 7 DEPENDS 12 INAPPROPRIATE 17
22. Representing constituents on appeal matters (i.e. Workers Compensation, CPP Appeals, Social Services, etc. APPROPRIATE 29 DEPENDS 7
23. Personal clothing
DEPENDS 7 INAPPROPRIATE 29
24. Dry cleaning APPROPRIATE 3 DEPENDS 11 INAPPROPRIATE 22
25. Personal cell calls APPROPRIATE 11 DEPENDS 19 INAPPROPRIATE 6
Appendix 1.6 26. Leased vehicles APPROPRIATE 11 DEPENDS 16 INAPPROPRIATE 9
27. Travel luggage Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 1 DEPENDS 6 INAPPROPRIATE 28
28. Promotional greeting cards APPROPRIATE 26 DEPENDS 8 INAPPROPRIATE 2
29. Promotional calendars APPROPRIATE 23 DEPENDS 9 INAPPROPRIATE 4
30. Promotional flowers APPROPRIATE 19 DEPENDS 6 INAPPROPRIATE 11
31. Hotel accommodations above a certain dollar figure ($300) APPROPRIATE 3 DEPENDS 17 INAPPROPRIATE 16
32. Entertainment while traveling on MHA business APPROPRIATE 19 DEPENDS 16 INAPPROPRIATE 1
Appendix 1.6 33. Spousal travel APPROPRIATE 2 DEPENDS 11 INAPPROPRIATE 23
34. Vehicle mileage reimbursement APPROPRIATE 32 DEPENDS 4
35. Airline tickets/other modes of travel APPROPRIATE 30 DEPENDS 5 INAPPROPRIATE 1
36. Office rent APPROPRIATE 26 DEPENDS 8 INAPPROPRIATE 2
37. Office space in building/company you own Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 2 DEPENDS 15 INAPPROPRIATE 18
38. Office phone and phone line
APPROPRIATE 34 DEPENDS 1 INAPPROPRIATE 1
39. Office computer/laptop APPROPRIATE 35 INAPPROPRIATE 1
Appendix 1.6 40. Faxes and fax line APPROPRIATE 35 INAPPROPRIATE 1
41. Office furniture Did not answer 1 APPROPRIATE 30 DEPENDS 4 INAPPROPRIATE 1
42. Office utilities APPROPRIATE 33 DEPENDS 2 INAPPROPRIATE 1
43. Office paintings/decorative wall coverings APPROPRIATE 17 DEPENDS 13 INAPPROPRIATE 6
44. Office space in MHAs' personal residence appropriate 5 depends 16 inappropriate 15
45. Office phone and phone line if Member’s office is in personal residence APPROPRIATE 21 DEPENDS 10 INAPPROPRIATE 5
46. Office faxes and fax line if Members’ office is in personal residence APPROPRIATE 23 DEPENDS 8 INAPPROPRIATE 5
Appendix 1.6 47. Office furniture if Member’s office is in personal residence APPROPRIATE 17 DEPENDS 11 INAPPROPRIATE 8
48. Office utilities if Member’s office is in personal residence APPROPRIATE 13 DEPENDS 10 INAPPROPRIATE 13
49. Office paintings/decorative wall coverings if Member’s office is in personal APPROPRIATE 8 DEPENDS 6 INAPPROPRIATE 22
50. Office grounds maintenance if Member’s office is in personal residence APPROPRIATE 1 DEPENDS 3 INAPPROPRIATE 32
51. Maintain second residence in St. John’s APPROPRIATE 23 DEPENDS 11 Inappropriate 2
Appendix 1.6
Appendix 1.7
Caucus Meeting Attendance Appendix 1.7 Caucus Meeting Attendance
PC Caucus
Joan Burke Felix Collins Dave Denine Kathy Dunderdale Roger Fitzgerald Clayton Forsey Terry French Kathy Goudie Harry Harding Tom Hedderson Jim Hodder Ray Hunter Clyde Jackman Charlene Johnson Kevin O’Brien Paul Oram Sheila Osborne Tom Osborne John Ottenheimer Bob Ridgley Paul Shelly Shawn Skinner Dianne Whalen Premier Danny Williams Ross Wiseman Wally Young
Liberal Caucus:
Percy Barrett Roland Butler Yvonne Jones Eddie Joyce Oliver Langdon Kelvin Parsons Gerry Reid George Sweeney Anna Thistle
Appendix 1.7